Portable electric load bank apparatus, system, and method of operation

ABSTRACT

This disclosure presents a portable load bank apparatus, system, method of control, and method of manufacture. A portable load bank apparatus may comprise one or more of a vehicle, a load bank, a set of batteries, a set of battery chargers, one or more processors, and/or other components. The load bank may be configured to perform a load test of an external power source. The processor(s) may be configured to cause one or more battery chargers in the set of battery chargers to direct an amount of a power output received by the load bank from the external power source to the set of batteries. The set of batteries may be used to provide electrical energy to one or more of an electric motor of the vehicle, one or more other electric vehicle, and/or other sources that may need electrical energy.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to generally to load banks, and in particular,to apparatuses, systems, and associated methods for configuring aportable load bank apparatus to utilize waste energy into batterycharging for electric vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Load banks are testing devices that are used to simulate artificialelectrical loads for the purposes of establishing proper and correctoperation of power sources, such as generators and the like. A load banktests these power sources by developing an electrical load. Various loadconfigurations permit testing under different conditions. Load banksensure the quality and reliability of the power output of power sources.Power may be measured as the rate, per unit time, at which electricalenergy is transferred by an electric circuit. Load banks are used toverify the accuracy of output capacities by creating a variety ofdifferent loads that replicate real-world use. Some regulatedinstitutions, such as hospitals, are required to test their powersources on a regular basis.

SUMMARY

The electrical power that is delivered to the load bank from a powersource during a load test is typically converted into thermal energy atthe load bank, and dissipated by rapid cooling using large fans toprovide airflow. This is because a load bank typically services onepurpose—to test the power source. The thermal energy dissipated by aload bank as a result of its typical use represents power that was,aside from the testing purposes, wasted.

Conventionally, load banks may be carted on a trailer towed by either asmall commercial vehicle, or, in larger capacities, by largesemi-trucks. A load bank operates independently, and after completion ofa load test, is usually towed or driven back to the home base or nexttesting site. This requires the use of a fossil fuel powered vehicle toeither tow the load bank on a trailer, or have it loaded onto a truck.

One or more implementations of the present disclosure propose aspecially configured portable electric load bank apparatus, system, andmethod of operation, that solves an unmet need in the load bank andpower source testing industry—utilizing the wasted energy. Inparticular, an apparatus of the present disclosure may comprise a loadbank that may be permanently mounted on an electric commercial vehicle(“ECV”), such as a Semi-Trailer, Electric Powered Utility Vehicle, orthe like. The load bank may comprise a combination of resistive/reactivecomponents, capacitive components, and/or other components. Also mountedon the ECV may be a set of batteries. The batteries in the set ofbatteries may be the same as, or similar to, power sources that are usedfor the propulsion of electric vehicles. A function of the ECV may be totransport the mounted load bank from jobsite to jobsite, as well as usethe waste energy to charge its own batteries and other batteries thatmay be used for charging other electric vehicles and/or other batteriesand/or battery powered equipment (e.g., drones, bicycles, residentialand/or commercial battery power storage, etc.). Accordingly, at leastone of the battery sources may be used for the propulsion of the ECV. Inthe case of the semi-trailer type vehicle carrying a larger load bank,an addition of a fossil fueled generator may be mounted for contingencypurposes.

A High Voltage Direct Current (“HVDC”) charger may be used incombination with a Level 2 EV charger (and/or other use-specific batterychargers) and mounted on the ECV. The HVDC charger may derive its inputvoltage from the power source being tested through the load bank. Theapparatus may be configured to determine an optimal charging power(e.g., rate, current, and/or voltage) and/or electrical energy to chargeone or more of the batteries.

A specific simulated artificial load may be requested for the load bankfrom a power source being tested, so that the power source outputselectrical power that meets the requested load. The distribution of theoutput electrical power from the source may be determined such thatelectricity may be directed to flow to one or more chargers (to chargebatteries) and/or the load bank (to dissipate as heat). The distributionmay be based on priority, e.g., to one or more of the chargers forcharging batteries for storage (and later charging of one or moreexternal batteries), and/or for self-consumption (e.g., charging one ormore batteries used specifically for powering an electric motor of theapparatus). By way of non-limiting illustration, an onboard computer maybe configured to determine the required charging power (and/or energy)to charge the set of batteries and to apply a portion of the outputelectrical power (and/or energy) to the HVDC charger to charge the setof batteries. Any electrical energy over and above the requestedcharging power (in accordance with the artificial load requested) may bedistributed amongst the resistive/reactive/capacitive components of theload bank and dissipated as thermal energy. Once the set of batterieshave been satisfactorily charged to optimum capacity by the wasteenergy, the apparatus may utilize an EV charger to charge other EVs,other vehicles having batteries, and/or other battery storage devices.Depending on the amount of waste energy available, and/or the requiredenergy (e.g., kWh) to replenish the set of batteries, a DC/DC convertermay be used to supercharge EVs, should excess waste energy be available.

The ECV can now travel under its own propulsion to its followingdestination. The available travel range of the ECV may be determined.The apparatus may be configured to determine the amount of electricalpower (and/or energy) required to reach the next destination of the ECV.Should the available range be further than the power (and/or energy)required to reach the destination (e.g., with a factor of safety orbuffer for slow traffic, etc.) the residual battery power may be usedfor charging other EVs and/or other battery storage from the apparatus.The range needed to travel to the next destination, plus contingencyrange, may be essentially a zero-level of charge. In the event of arange miscalculation due to extenuating circumstances, a generator maybe used as a backup. The energy being produced by the generator toincrease the range may be metered and logged to establish wasted energyfrom sacrificial energy. In medium voltage applications, a generatortraditionally used for fans and/or controls may be replaced with a setof battery packs with alternating consumption and charging,respectively. One or more implementations of the apparatus presentedherein may solve a problem of using equipment at higher elevations wherea diesel generator would be derated.

One or more implementations of a system presented herein may include oneor more of a vehicle, a load bank, set of batteries, a set of batterychargers, one or more processors configured by machine-readableinstruction, non-transitory electronic storage, server(s), computingplatform(s), external power source(s), and/or other components. One ormore of the components of the system, when mounted to the vehicle, mayform a “portable load bank apparatus” of the present disclosure.

The load bank may be configured to cause an external power source togenerate a power output as part of a load test of the external powersource. The set of batteries may be configured to store electric energy.The set of batteries may be electrically coupled to the load bank and/orother components. The set of battery chargers may be configured todirect the flow of electricity to the set of batteries. The set ofbattery chargers may be electrically coupled between the load bank, theset of batteries, and/or other components.

The non-transitory electronic storage may include storage that isintegrally coupled with a vehicle, included with a remotely locatedserver, included in one or more computing platforms that communicatewith the vehicle and/or server, and/or included in other locations. Theone or more processors may include one or more of processor(s)integrally coupled with a vehicle, processor(s) of a remotely locatedserver, processor(s) of one or more computing platforms, and/or othercomponents.

The one or more processors may be configured by machine-readableinstructions. Executing the machine-readable instructions may cause theone or more processors to facilitate control of a portable load bank toutilize waste energy into battery charging. The machine-readableinstructions may include one or more computer program components.

A computer program component may be configured to obtain a request forpower output by the external power source, as part of a load test by theload bank. The electrical energy from the power output may be obtainedat the load bank, through an electrical coupling of the external powersource and the load bank.

A computer program component may be configured to cause one or morebattery chargers in the set of battery chargers to direct an amount ofthe power output obtained by the load bank to the set of batteries. Theamount of the electrical energy from the power output directed from theload bank to the set of batteries may comprise a battery input power(and/or energy). The battery input power (and/or energy) may comprisethe electrical energy that charges the set of batteries, either to acomplete charge or other charged state.

A computer program component may be configured to cause a remainingpower (and/or energy) from the power output to be converted to thermalenergy by directing the energy to the load bank for dissipation as heat.The remaining power (and/or energy) may be measured as the power outputless the battery input power (and/or energy).

These and/or other objects, features, and characteristics of theapparatus, system and/or method disclosed herein, as well as the methodsof operation and functions of the related elements of structure and thecombination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become moreapparent upon consideration of the following description and theappended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all ofwhich form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and in theclaims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to control a portable load bankapparatus to utilize waste energy into battery charging for electricvehicles, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method to control a portable load bank apparatus toutilize waste energy into battery charging for electric vehicles, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of manufacture of a portable load bankapparatus, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portable load bank apparatus, in accordance withone or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 configured to control a portable loadbank apparatus 101 to utilize waste energy into battery charging forelectric vehicles, in accordance with one or more implementations. Thesystem 100 may include one or more of vehicle(s) 102, one or moreprocessors 104, a set of batteries 119, a load bank 121, a set ofbattery chargers 123, server(s) 122, one or more computing platforms126, one or more external power sources 125, one or more motors (notshown in FIG. 1 ) and/or other components.

Vehicle(s) 102 may represent an individual specially constructed vehicleand/or a set of similarly configured vehicles. Vehicle(s) 102 may beself-propelled. A vehicle may comprise a specially constructedelectrical vehicle. The vehicle may comprise a vehicle made forcommercial purposes. The vehicle may include one or more components uponwhich equipment may be mounted, removably and/or non-removably. By wayof non-limiting illustration, vehicle may take the form of a van, truck,semi-truck, and/or other vehicles.

Vehicle(s) 102 may include (e.g., via permanent and/or removablemounting) one or more of one or more processors 104, non-transitoryelectronic storage 118, set of batteries 119, a load bank 121, set ofbattery chargers 123, and/or other components. Components may be mountedto vehicle(s) 102 through one or more mounting components and/ortechniques. By way of non-limiting illustration, mounting may beaccomplished by riveting, screwing, welding, strapping, and/or othertechniques. The one or more processors 104 and/or electronic storage 118may generally comprise a computer or computer system of vehicle(s) 102.A vehicle including the one or more of the processor(s) 104,non-transitory electronic storage 118, set of batteries 119, a load bank121, set of battery chargers 123, and/or other components may generallydefine a portable load bank apparatus 101 of the present disclosure.

The set of batteries 119 may include one or more batteries. Anindividual battery of set of batteries 119 may be comprised of batteriesconventionally used for the power source of electric vehicles. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, an individual battery may include one or moreof a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, lead-acidbattery, and/or other batteries. In some implementations, the set ofbatteries 119 may be separated into one or more subsets. The subsets maybe physically separated and and/or electrically separated by virtue oftheir electrical connections to individual ones of the chargers. By wayof non-limiting illustration, the set of batteries 119 may include oneor more of a first subset, a second subset, and/or other subsets. Thefirst subset of batteries may be dedicated to providing power to theportable load bank apparatus 101. The second subset of batteries may bededicated for power storage.

The set of battery chargers 123 may include one or more batterychargers. The set of battery chargers 123 may be configured to directflow of power output from an external power source to the set ofbatteries 119 to charge one or more of individual batteries in the set,individual subsets of batteries, and/or the set of batteries 119 as awhole. In some implementations, the set of battery chargers 123 mayinclude at least one high voltage direct current charger and/or otherdevices suitable for the intended purpose. In some implementations, theset of battery chargers 123 may include at least one EV charger (Level 2or otherwise) configured to be removable and electrically coupled toindividual electric vehicles to charge batteries of the individualelectric vehicles via the second subset of batteries.

The load bank 121 may comprise a conventional load bank configured to bemounted on a vehicle. In some implementations, load bank 121 maycomprise a load bank that is specially adapted and/or constructed tohave specifications, dimensions, and/or other aspects that are speciallyconfigured for mounting on a vehicle. The load bank 121 may include oneor more of a housing, ventilation louvers, a ventilation grid, rapidcooling fans, and/or other components. In some implementations, the loadbank 121 may include specially constructed circuity, connectors, and/orother components (not shown in FIG. 1 ), configured to divert at leastsome of the power output received from an external power source othercomponents of the system 100. By way of non-limiting illustration, anelectrically coupling (e.g., cable, set of cables, etc.) may be mountedwithin the onboard electronics (e.g., resistive/reactive component,capacitive components, and/or other components) of the load bank 121which allows at least some of the power output received at the load bank121 to travel out of the load bank 121 to the set of battery chargers123 and/or other components. A controller, switch, relay, and/or otherdevices may be used to facilitate diverting power out of the load bank121.

External power source(s) 125 may represent an individual power sourceand/or a set of power sources. An external power source may include oneor more of a generator, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and/or otherdevices.

In FIG. 1 , the non-transitory electronic storage 118 may be configuredto store information utilized by processor(s) 104, one or more servers122, one or more computing platforms 126, and/or other components ofsystem 100. In some implementations, vehicle(s) 102 may have a dedicateddisplay (not shown in FIG. 1 ) through which graphical user interface(s)are displayed to allow users to interface directly with processor(s) 104and/or other components of the system 100.

In some implementations, server(s) 122 may be configured to provideremote hosting of features and/or functions of machine-readableinstructions 106 to vehicle(s) 102, computing platform(s) 126, and/orother components. By way of non-limiting illustration, server(s) 122 mayinclude machine-readable instructions which are the same as, or similarto, machine-readable instructions 106. Vehicle(s) 102, server(s) 122,and/or computing platform(s) 126 may be remotely located from oneanother. The server(s) 122 may communicate with other components of thesystem 100 via client/server architecture, and/or other communicationschemes. By way of non-limiting illustration, individual computingplatforms of one or more computing platforms 126 may download anapplication (e.g., non-transitory electronically stored information)configured to provide access to features and/or functions ofmachine-readable instructions 106. For example, individual computingplatforms may present graphical user interfaces through which usersinteract with vehicle(s) 102 and/or system 100 as a whole.

Individual computing platforms may include one or more of a mobilecomputing platform (e.g., one or more of a cellular telephone, asmartphone, a laptop, a tablet computer, and/or other mobile platforms),a stationary computing platform (e.g., a desktop computer), and/or othercomputing platforms.

In some implementations, vehicle(s) 102 and/or computing platform(s) 126my include devices configured to present and/or generate content.Content may include visual and/or audio content. By way of non-limitingillustration, vehicle(s) 102 and/or computing platform(s) 126 mayinclude a display configured to present visual content. The visualcontent may include one or more of individual images, image sequences,video, text, and/or other content. Presentation via a display may befacilitated by a graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or other componentsincorporated into vehicle(s) 102 and/or computing platform(s) 126. Adisplay may include one or more of screen, a touchscreen, a monitor, ahead-mounted display, a set of screens, and/or other displays.

The non-transitory electronic storage 118 may include storage that isintegrally coupled with a vehicle, included with server(s) 122, includedin one or more computing platforms 126, and/or included in otherlocations. The non-transitory electronic storage 118 may storeinformation utilized by one or more components of the system 100. By wayof non-limiting illustration, the information may include computerprogram components and/or other information.

The one or more processors 104 may be configured by machine-readableinstructions 106. Executing machine-readable instructions 106 may causeone or more processors 104 to facilitate controlling a portable loadbank apparatus 101 and/or other components. The machine-readableinstructions 106 may include one or more computer program components.The one or more computer program components may include one or more of atesting component 108, a charging component 110, and/or othercomponents.

The testing component 108 may be configured to obtain a request forpower output by external power source(s) 125, as part of a load testbeing performed by the load bank 121. By way of non-limitingillustration, a display may be configured to present a user interfacethrough which a user may submit a request for power output. The requestmay include one or more of an amount of the power output, timing of thepower output (e.g., when to start, when to stop, etc.), and/or otherinformation.

The testing component 108 may be configured cause the external powersource to generate electricity as part of a load test of the externalpower source. In response to the request, the external power source(s)125 may be activated such that a power output may be generated. By wayof non-limiting illustration, submission of the request may cause thesending an electrical signal (e.g., duty cycle commands corresponding toa desired load) to external power source(s) 125 which causes theexternal power source(s) 125 to be powered “on.” The power output may beobtained at the load bank 121, through an electrical coupling of theexternal power source(s) 125 and the load bank 121.

The charging component 110 may be configured to cause one or morebattery chargers in the set of battery chargers 123 to direct an amountof the power output obtained by the load bank 121 to the set ofbatteries 119. The amount of the power output directed from the loadbank 121 to the set of batteries may comprise a battery input power(and/or energy). The battery input power (and/or energy) may comprisethe electrical energy that charges the set of batteries 119, either to acomplete charge or other charged state. It is noted that while somedescriptions herein describes the distribution of electricity as ameasure of power (e.g., rate, per unit time, at which electrical energyis transferred), this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilledin the art may appreciate that the distribution may alternatively and/orconcurrently be based measures of electrical energy, and/or othermeasures.

In some implementations, the charging component 110 may be configured todetermine the battery input power (and/or energy) based on a currentstate of charge of the set of batteries 119. By way of non-limitingillustration, a current state of charge of the set of batteries 119 maybe measured through a battery monitoring system (not shown in FIG. 1 ).One or more of voltage, amperage, and/or ampere hours remaining may bemeasured through a battery monitoring system (BMS) and/or apparatussuitable for the intended purpose. The battery monitoring system may beintegrally coupled to the vehicle(s) 102. The BMS may prevent operationoutside the set of batteries 119′s safe operating area. By way ofnon-limiting illustration, a BMS may include one or more of an internalswitch (such as a relay or solid state device) which is opened if abattery is operated outside its safe operating area, ability to requestthe devices to which a battery is connected to reduce or even terminateusing the battery, ability to actively control the environment (e.g.,such as through heaters, fans, air conditioning or liquid cooling),and/or other features and/or functionality.

In some implementations, the charging component 110 may be configured todetermine an amount of travel power (and/or energy) the portable loadbank apparatus 101 may need to reach a destination. The chargingcomponent 110 may be configured to determine the battery input power(and/or energy) based on the amount of travel power (and/or energy), sothat the amount of charge of one or more batteries may be sufficient tosupply the amount of travel power (and/or energy).

In some implementations, the charging component 110 may be configured tocause a remaining power (and/or energy) from the power output to beconverted to thermal energy by the load bank 121 and/or othercomponents, and dissipated as heat. The remaining power (and/or energy)may be measured as the power output less the battery input power (and/orenergy). Through the active charging of batteries using the power outputfrom an external power source, the portable load bank apparatus 101,and/or system 100, is now able reduce the amount of “waste” energy thatis the consequence of load tests.

In some implementations, the testing component 108 may be configured toobtain an indication that the load test is complete. The indication maybe derived from one or more of a duration of the load test ending, apredetermined amount of energy being supplied (e.g., kilowatt-houroutput being reached), and/or other indications.

The testing component 108 may be configured to cause a reduction in thepower output by an external power source. In some implementations, theexternal power source's output may be slowed reduced in power for safetyreasons and/or for the proper functioning of the source. Upon reaching asafe or predetermined reduced power output, the testing component 108may be configured to cause the load bank 121 to be shut down. Uponreaching a safe or predetermined reduced power output, the testingcomponent 108 may be configured to cause the external power source to beshut down. In some implementations, causing actions at the externalpower source may be accomplished through control signals or commandsbeing generated and sent from the processor(s) 104 to the external powersource.

By way of non-limiting illustration, a 100 kW load on the load bank 121from a generator. Traditionally, the entire 100 kW would be dissipatedas heat from a load bank during and/or after a test. Now, with theportable load bank apparatus 101 and/or system 100, at least some (ifnot all) of that energy can be utilized to charge one or more batteries.Those batteries, in turn, may power an electric vehicle carrying theload bank 101, other electric vehicles that need a charge, and/or otherbatteries. By way of non-limiting illustration, from that 100 kW that isrequested, 25 kW (or other amount) may be delivered to an HVDC chargerto charge one or more batteries, while the other 75 kW (or other amount)may be dissipated as heat. These values are provided for illustrativepurposes only and are not to be considered limiting.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portable load bank apparatus 400, in accordancewith one or more implementations. Also shown is an external power source402, such as a generator that may require load testing. The portableload bank apparatus 400 may be the same as or similar to portable loadbank apparatus 101 described with respect to FIG. 1 .

The portable load bank apparatus 400 may be comprised of one or more ofan electric vehicle 401, a load bank 404, one or more processors 406(e.g., onboard computer), a set of battery chargers 408, a set ofbatteries 410, an electric vehicle propulsion system 412 (e.g., one ormore electric motors), a battery monitoring system 414, and/or othercomponents. The elements shown using reference numerals 404 to 412 referto components that may be integrally coupled (e.g., mounted) within, on,or otherwise to, vehicle 401. The presentation of those elements aboveand outside of vehicle 401 is merely provided for illustrative purposesas those elements are intended to be integrated with vehicle 401. Thesolid lines represent preferred electrical coupling between components;however, other coupling arrangements/schemes may be employed.Accordingly, FIG. 4 is merely provided to aid a person of ordinary skillin the art to understand at least one implementation of the presentdisclosure.

Returning to FIG. 1 , vehicle(s) 102, one or more servers 122, one ormore computing platforms 126, external resource(s) 124, external powersource(s) 125, and/or other components may be operatively linked via oneor more electronic communication links. For example, such electroniccommunication links may be established, at least in part, via one ormore networks 120. One or more networks 120 may include wirelessnetworks (e.g., Internet, Bluetooth, etc.), wired networks (e.g.,cables, wires, etc.), and/or other networks. It will be appreciated thatthis is not intended to be limiting and that the scope of thisdisclosure includes implementations in which components of system 100may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

External resource(s) 124 may include sources of information, hosts,and/or providers of information outside of system 100, external entitiesparticipating with system 100, and/or other resources. In someimplementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein toexternal resource(s) 124 may be provided by resources included in system100. By way of non-limiting illustration, external entities may includeone or more of infrastructure of locations that have individual externalpower sources. For example, an external entity may include theinfrastructure of one or more of hospitals, assisted living centers,and/or other locations.

Processor(s) 104 may include communication lines or ports to enable theexchange of information with one or more of a network, server(s) 122,computing platform(s) 126, set of batteries 119, load bank 121, set ofchargers 123, and/or other components. Illustration of processor(s) 104in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting. Processor(s) 104 may include aplurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operatingtogether to provide the functionality attributed herein to processor(s)104. For example, processor(s) 104 may be implemented by a cloud ofcomputing platforms operating together as processor(s) 104.

Electronic storage 118 may include electronic storage media thatelectronically stores information. The electronic storage media ofelectronic storage 118 may include one or both of system storage that isprovided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with vehicle(s)102 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to vehicle(s)102 via, for example, a port or a drive. A port may include a USB port,a firewire port, and/or other port. A drive may include a disk driveand/or other drive. Electronic storage 118 may include one or more ofoptically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.),magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic harddrive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g.,EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.),and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronicstorage 118 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g.,cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storageresources). Electronic storage 118 may store software algorithms,information determined by processor(s) 104, information received fromcomputing platform(s) 126 and/or server(s) 122, and/or other informationthat enables system 100 to function as described herein.

Processor(s) 104 may be configured to provide information-processingcapabilities in vehicle(s) 102. As such, processor(s) 104 may includeone or more of a digital processor, physical processor(s), an analogprocessor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analogcircuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or othermechanisms for electronically processing information. Althoughprocessor(s) 104 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is forillustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s) 104may include one or more processing units. These processing units may bephysically located within the same device, or processor(s) 104 mayrepresent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operatingin coordination. The processor(s) 104 may be configured to executecomponents 108 and/or 110. Processor(s) 104 may be configured to executecomponents 108 and/or 110 by software; hardware; firmware; somecombination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or othermechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s) 104.

It should be appreciated that although components 108 and/or 110 areillustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a single processingunit, in implementations in which processor(s) 104 includes multipleprocessing units, one or more of components 108 and/or 110 may belocated remotely from the other components or from the vehicle(s) 102.While computer program components are described herein as beingimplemented via processor(s) 104 through machine readable instructions106, this is merely for ease of reference and is not meant to belimiting. In some implementations, one or more functions of computerprogram components described herein may be implemented via hardware(e.g., dedicated chip, field-programmable gate array). One or morefunctions of computer program components described herein may be one ormore of software-implemented, hardware-implemented, and/or software andhardware-implemented. The description of the functionality provided bythe different components 108 and/or 110 described above is forillustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting, as any ofcomponents 108 and/or 110 may provide more or less functionality than isdescribed. For example, one or more of components 108 and/or 110 may beeliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided byother ones of components 108, 110, and/or other components. As anotherexample, processor(s) 104 may be configured to execute one or moreadditional components that may perform some or all of the functionalityattributed to one of components 108 and/or 110.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 to control a portable load bankapparatus, in accordance with one or more implementations. Theoperations of method 200 presented below are intended to beillustrative. In some implementations, method 200 may be accomplishedwith one or more additional operations not described, and/or without oneor more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in whichthe operations of method 200 are illustrated in FIG. 2 and describedbelow is not intended to be limiting.

In some implementations, method 200 may be implemented in a systemcomprising one or more processing devices (e.g., a physical processor, adigital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed toprocess information, an analog circuit designed to process information,a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processinginformation), storage media storing machine-readable instructions, oneor more vehicles, one or more external power sources, and/or othercomponents. The one or more processing devices may include one or moredevices executing some or all of the operations of method 200 inresponse to instructions stored electronically on electronic storagemedia. The one or more processing devices may include one or moredevices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to bespecifically designed for execution of one or more of the operations ofmethod 200.

At an operation 202, a request may be obtained for a power output by anexternal power source as part of a load test. In some implementations,operation 202 may be performed by one or more processors executing atesting component the same as or similar to testing component 108 (shownin FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 204, the external power source may generate electricityas part of the load test of the external power source. In someimplementations, operation 204 may be performed by one or moreprocessors executing a testing component the same as or similar totesting component 108 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

At an operation 206, the power output generated by the external powersource may be obtained at the load bank. In some implementations,operation 206 may be accomplished through electrical coupling of theexternal power source to the load bank.

At an operation 208, one or more battery chargers in a set of batterychargers may direct an amount of the power output obtained by the loadbank to a set of batteries. The amount of the power output directed fromthe load bank to the set of batteries may comprise a battery input power(and/or energy) that charges the set of batteries. A remaining power(and/or energy) from the power output may be converted to thermal energyby the load bank and dissipated as heat. The remaining power (and/orenergy) being the power output less the battery input power (and/orenergy). In some implementations, operation 208 may be performed by oneor more processors executing a charging component the same as or similarto charging component 110 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 of manufacture of a portable load bankapparatus, in accordance with one or more implementations. Theoperations of method 300 presented below are intended to beillustrative. In some implementations, method 300 may be accomplishedwith one or more additional operations not described, and/or without oneor more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in whichthe operations of method 300 are illustrated in FIG. 3 and describedbelow is not intended to be limiting.

In some implementations, method 300 may be implemented using one or moremanual and/or automated manufacturing techniques. A manual manufacturingtechniques may include one or more mounting techniques used by skilledartisans in vehicle manufacture, heavy equipment manufacture, load bankmanufacture, commercial electricians, and/or other persons of skill inthe art. A mounting technique may include one or more of welding,riveting, screwing, bolting, adhering, electrically coupling, and/orother techniques. Other techniques known to skilled artisans are alsowithin the scope of the present disclosure. An automated manufacturingtechnique may include machines and one or more processing devices. Theone or more processing devices and/or machines may include one or moredevices executing some or all of the operations of method 300 inresponse to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storagemedium. The one or more processing devices and/or machines may includeone or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/orsoftware to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of theoperations of method 300.

At an operation 302, a load bank may be mounted on an electric vehicle.

At an operation 304, a set of batteries may be mounted on to theelectric vehicle. The set of batteries may be electrically coupled toone or more of the load bank, a BMS, an electric motor, and/or othercomponents.

At an operation 306, a set of battery chargers may be mounted on to theelectric vehicle. The set of battery charges may be electrically coupledbetween the load bank and the set of batteries. The set of batterycharges may be electrically coupled to other components.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A load bank apparatus comprising: one or morephysical processors coupled to a load bank and configured bymachine-readable instructions to: cause an external power source togenerate a power output as part of a load test, such that the poweroutput is received at the load bank; and cause one or more batterychargers to direct an amount of the power output received by the loadbank to a set of batteries to charge the set of batteries, wherein aremaining amount of the power output not directed to the set ofbatteries is converted to thermal energy and dissipated as heat.
 2. Theload bank apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more physicalprocessors are further configured by the machine-readable instructionsto: determine the amount of the power output directed to the set ofbatteries based on a current state of charge of the set of batteries. 3.The load bank apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the set ofbatteries, wherein the set of batteries include a first subset ofbatteries dedicated to powering the load bank apparatus, and a secondsubset of batteries dedicated for power storage.
 4. The load bankapparatus of claim 1, further comprising the one or more batterychargers, wherein the one or more battery chargers includes: a highvoltage direct current charger; and an EV charger.
 5. The load bankapparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors arefurther configured by the machine-readable instructions to: obtain anindication that the load test is complete; and cause the power output bythe external power source to be reduced.
 6. The load bank apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are furtherconfigured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine an amountof travel power a vehicle needs to reach a destination; and determinethe amount of the power output directed to the set of batteries based onthe amount of travel power.
 7. The load bank apparatus of claim 1,further comprising the load bank, the one or more battery chargers, theset of batteries, and a battery monitoring system.
 8. A systemconfigured to load test a power source, the system comprising: a loadbank configured to be mounted on a vehicle, the load bank beingconfigured to cause an external power source to generate electricity aspart of a load test of the external power source; and one or morephysical processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:cause the external power source to generate a power output as part ofthe load test, such that the power output is received at the load bank;and cause one or more battery chargers coupled to the load bank todirect an amount of the power output received by the load bank to a setof batteries coupled to the load bank to charge the set of batteries,wherein a remaining amount of the power output not directed to the setof batteries is converted to thermal energy and dissipated as heat. 9.The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more physical processors arefurther configured by the machine-readable instructions to: determinethe amount of the power output directed to the set of batteries based ona current state of charge of the set of batteries.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, further comprising the set of batteries, wherein the set ofbatteries include a first subset of batteries dedicated to powering thevehicle carrying the load bank, and a second subset of batteriesdedicated for power storage.
 11. The system of claim 8, furthercomprising the one or more battery chargers, wherein the one or morebattery chargers includes: a high voltage direct current charger; and anEV charger.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the one or more physicalprocessors are further configured by the machine-readable instructionsto: obtain an indication that the load test is complete; and cause thepower output by the external power source to be reduced.
 13. The systemof claim 8, wherein the one or more physical processors are furtherconfigured by the machine-readable instructions to: determine an amountof travel power the vehicle carrying the load bank needs to reach adestination; and determine the amount of the power output directed tothe set of batteries based on the amount of travel power.
 14. The systemof claim 8, further comprising the vehicle, the one or more batterychargers, the set of batteries, and a battery monitoring system.
 15. Amethod to control a load bank apparatus, the method comprising: causingan external power source to generate a power output as part of a loadtest being performed by the load bank apparatus; and causing one or morebattery chargers of the load bank apparatus to direct an amount of thepower output to a set of batteries to charge the set of batteries,wherein a remaining amount of the power output not directed to the setof batteries is converted to thermal energy and dissipated as heat. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining the amount ofthe power output directed to the set of batteries based on a currentstate of charge of the set of batteries.
 17. The method of claim 15,wherein the set of batteries are included in the load bank apparatus andinclude a first subset of batteries dedicated to powering the load bankapparatus, and a second subset of batteries dedicated for power storage.18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more battery chargers areincluded in the load bank apparatus and include: a high voltage directcurrent charger; and an EV charger.
 19. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: obtaining an indication that the load test is complete; andcausing the power output by the external power source to be reduced. 20.The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining an amount oftravel power a vehicle needs to reach a destination; and determining theamount of the power output directed to the set of batteries based on theamount of travel power.